The Liga MX Apertura 2024 Final is set to conclude with the highly anticipated return leg match between Monterrey and América, scheduled for Sunday, December 15, at 19:00 hours (Central Mexico time) at Estadio BBVA. América currently holds the advantage with a 2-1 aggregate score from the first leg.
After triumphing over Monterrey at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, América is on the verge of making history. They could become the first team to win three league titles consecutively since the short tournament format was introduced. Following victories in the Apertura 2023 and Clausura 2024, the excitement is palpable as fans anticipate what could be another crowning achievement for the team.
The first leg at Puebla was eventful, showcasing competitive spirit between the two sides. Both teams had opportunities, yet it was América who turned the tide. Despite being down 1-0 after the opening goal from Monterrey’s ?mago Canales, they responded effectively with two goals from Kevin Álvarez and Alex Zendejas, sealing the 2-1 victory. Coach André Jardine expressed the importance of the team's resilience, stating, "Las finales siempre son partidos duros y parejos. Monterrey hizo un buen primer tiempo, dimos la vuelta que es muy importante en un partido que iniciamos perdiendo, encontramos la fuerza mental de superar un mal momento dentro del partido."
With the second leg on the horizon, Monterrey faces the uphill challenge. They need to win by two goals to take the title outright, and the presence of their home crowd could prove advantageous. The significance of playing at Estadio BBVA—known as the 'Gigante de Acero'—adds to the pressure and fervor of the match. Overcoming this challenge will not be easy; they will have to do so without star player Lucas Ocampos, who is sidelined due to injury.
Fans and pundits alike are anxious to see if Monterrey can pull off the upset, or if América will triumph again. The stakes are incredibly high. Should América’s lead withstand the pressure, they would lift their 16th league title, extending their record as the most successful club in Mexican football history. Historically, América has dominated the final scenarios; their 12 championship wins place them above their nearest rival, Guadalajara, which garnered 12 titles.
For the fans hoping to witness this historical match-up, several viewing options are available. The game will be broadcast live on various networks, including Canal 5, Televisa, Azteca 7, TUDN, and VIX Premium, among others. Viewers from the United States can catch the action via fuboTV and Univision.
Ticket demand for the final is remarkably high, leading to exorbitantly priced resale tickets. The official distribution primarily favors season ticket holders, allowing them to purchase additional tickets. Platforms like StubHub report prices for prime seats reaching up to 181,000 Mexican pesos (around 9,000 dollars), surpassing typical costs for high-profile events like the Super Bowl.
Both teams have shown determination throughout the Liga MX, displaying skillful tactics, teamwork, and resilience. America’s ambitious plan to cement its legacy as the first tricampeón of the short tournaments is on the line, and the pressure is mounting for Monterrey to reclaim their position at the top of Mexican football.
The anticipation builds as kickoff approaches. Will Monterrey defy the odds on their home turf, or will América’s momentum carry them to another glorious title? All eyes will be on Estadio BBVA as the two clubs vie for supremacy.